Princess Amira al-Taweel and countless other women in Saudi Arabia simply can’t wait for the freedom to drive.

Al-Taweel, the wife of one of Saudi Arabia’s richest men — global tycoon Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, ranked by Forbes as the world’s 19th-richest person — will join the thousands of other women lining up to get their driver’s licenses once the country lifts its ban on female drivers. Women haven’t been permitted to drive since the state was established in 1932, but the government is expected to lift the ban by the end of the year. The move will likely spark some opposition, since more conservative Saudis think it’s sinful for women to drive, since they can then leave the home whenever they want.

Al-Taweel — whose husband said he would gladly let her drive once law permits it — told the Saudi daily Al-Watan that she already drives when she visits other countries. "Certainly I’m ready to drive a car," she said. "I have an international driver’s license, and I drive a car in all the countries I travel to."

Though certainly a step in the right direction, a potential prohibition has also been interpreted as a way to put off other campaigns for women’s rights. The royal family has previously balked at granting women driving permits, although their views have changed somewhat since then. But even if/when the ban is lifted, it could be years before the full impact is seen, since obtaining licenses and getting insurance are other obstacles that need to be overcome. Women now have to have their husbands, brothers or fathers drive them anywhere they go if they can’t afford to hire a driver.

Saudi Arabia isn’t the only place women are trying to take to the roads. Recent news reports also say that after years of being afraid of death threats from Islamic extremists who warned them to stop driving cars, give up makeup and cover their hair in public, Iraqi women are also getting behind the wheel.